Peter advises both insurers and insured parties on a wide variety of insurance issues, including policy construction and coverage.

He regularly represents insurers bringing actions to recover their outlay for claims arising from fire, flood or property damage. Recent cases include recovery arising from a fire arising from a tumble dryer, for a fire resulting from the installation of a fume extraction system and from a flood resulting from faulty work to a roof.

Selected Cases

Eternit v Zurich, RSA & Others – A claim for indemnity brought against the insurers of a former subsidiary of T&N in respect of asbestos-related claims, the insurers having repudiated on grounds of material non disclosure and misrepresentation and raising arguments as to coverage. Settled at a mediation with a proportionate recovery for future claims.

Peter had practiced in personal injury litigation since undertaking his pupillage at Deans Court Chambers in 1993. He advises and appears on behalf of claimants and defendants. He has extensive experience of the whole spectrum of catastrophic injury claims, including spinal injury, brain injury and amputation. His caseload consists predominantly of claims valued in excess of £500,000 and he regularly undertakes claims valued substantially in excess of £1m. He has extensive experience of Joint Settlement Meetings and mediations.

Peter also has wide experience of industrial disease claims and a particular interest in asbestos related claims and occupational stress/bullying claims.

Selected Cases

Tomlinson v Congleton – Instructed by the Defendant in the House of Lords in a landmark case concerning occupiers’ liability arising from natural dangers in which guidance was given as to the importance of free will and the social utility of activities when addressing breach of duty. (With Raymond Machell QC).

Yates v Westminster Council – Social worker’s negligence claim. The Claimant, a paranoid schizophrenic, suffered cauda equina syndrome and serious orthopaedic injury after jumping from a 4th floor balcony. Settled for £1.73m net of 25% liability discount on a provisional basis with an entitlement to further damages in the event of the Claimant requiring lower limb amputation.

X v Y – Instructed by Defendant in a claim arising from a catastrophic brain injury suffered in a road traffic accident. The Claimant pre-accident was a drug dependent prostitute, giving rise to significant issues as to unmet need/causation. Settled for £1.25m net of 25% liability discount.

Rostron v Pets Choice – The Claimant suffered severe orthopaedic and bowel injuries when she was crushed by a fork lift truck. Settled at £1.75m net of 10% liability discount.

Smith v Clarke – Represented Defendant in a claim brought by the victim of a road traffic accident who was rendered a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic. Settled at £5.5m capital award plus £350,000 per annum PPO.

Smith v ACS – Instructed by Defendant in a claim arising from a fall at work rendering the Claimant paraplegic. Significant dispute on liability. Settled at £1.25m, representing 50% of the full liability value of the claim.

Merga v PMT – Employer’s liability claim arising from an ‘overpour’ in a foundry. The Claimant suffered full thickness burns to 60% of his body surface. Settled at £875,000.

Lenette v Lenette – Instructed by Defendant in claim arising from a catastrophic brain injury suffered by a child in a road traffic accident. Settled for £2.75m together with PPO of £120,000 per annum.

Boyle v Knox – Instructed by a Defendant in a claim alleging the Claimant suffered brain injury in utero in a road traffic accident. Issues as to whether developmental or acquired. Settled at £250,000.

Drinkall v Whitwood – Court of Appeal. Instructed by the Defendant. An agreement made by insurers with a Claimant who was a protected party but which had not been approved was not binding and could be resiled from at will.

Goundry v Hepworth – Court of Appeal. A child Claimant, who was crossing a road in a group, stopped in the centre of the road to let a vehicle pass before running out in front of the Defendant’s vehicle, suffering catastrophic brain injury. Successfully represented the Defendant on appeal, the Claimant’s claim being dismissed.

Jones v JLA – Court of Appeal. A dry cleaning machine exploded due to inappropriate oil being used. Scope of duty for the supplier of the oil. Claim dismissed on appeal.

Oldham MBC v Secretary of State for Work & Pensions – Tribunal of Commissioners. Right of compensator to appeal certificate of recoupable benefits on the ground that the recipient of the benefits was not entitled to receive them.